Bear,
I remember when I was young, how I couldn’t wait for my birthday. I couldn’t wait for the kids to come over and play pin the tail on the donkey, and eat too much birthday cake and ice cream. And let’s not forget the PRESENTS!!
A few years later, I couldn’t wait to be 16. I couldn’t wait to be old enough to date, old enough to go to the prom. Then I would lie about My age so that I could go out dancing, and have a drink. I just couldn’t wait to become older and have my own life, and be an adult and to have total control of my life.
Then I started to count off the years one by one. The yearly additions to my age made me cringe. Each year that passed, I start to fear that I have missed the mark.
“I am 30! I should have been married by now!”
“I am 35! I should have had 2.2 kids by now!”
“I am 40! I should have bought a house by now!”
On and on it goes with some sort of age related benchmark that I either have achieved or missed. But birthdays are not something I looked forward to.
UNTIL…..
“Are you a Senior Citizen?” The girl behind the box office window asked me.
“Uh…yes! I am! I am indeed!” I answered.
With that, the price of the movie ticket went from $10.50 down to $7.00!
I felt like a 19 year old being carded for a 21 and over Club, and getting in! While I am not yet a “Senior”, I guess I can pass as one to a young girl who takes the money for a movie theater.
What is the age for being a Senior? I had my AARP card when I turned 50 a couple years ago. Is 55 the real age for being a Senior? Is it 60? Or 63? I guess different places/organizations have different ages that will qualify someone as a Senior. All I know, is I felt like a kid again, trying to be “older” and I gleefully got away with it.
I notice that “older” people do not lie about their age to look younger, as many people do when they are in their mid-years. A 45 year old, for example, might try to pass as 40. But a 70 year-old will claim every year like a girl scout badge, to be worn proudly. Each year is earned, some with the thrill of life, others with the agony.
Bear, when you become old, you will be an antique. You will probably be worth a lot of money to someone. I guess in some cases being old is a good thing.
Hmm…I wonder if they will card me when I saddle up to the snack stand and buy popcorn and soda?
Will I be too old to handle the caffeine this late at night? Will they check my teeth to see if I can chew the popcorn? Or perhaps the movie will be too exciting for my feeble heart to take so they will give me a cardiogram first. Think I will just run and claim my seat!
Are the paramedics standing by??
